Tag Archives: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Originally published Oct. 3, 2013: http://www.mommamina.com/2013/10/the-evolution-of-cattle-production-why.html

The iPhone 5s was just released a few days ago, excited consumers across the nation eagerly waited hours (even overnight) for Apple stores to open in anticipation of getting their hands on the newest Apple technology. The iPhone 5s now boasts a larger screen, Touch ID, a faster operating system and enhanced camera features. Technology in communication is widely embraced, new inventions are encouraged, and consumers are eager to evolve with the changing times. That said, I think it’s safe to say that I would be an anomaly if I walked down the street with a vintage phone…

Hellooooooooooo

or a cell phone circa 1983…

Yup…they once looked like this!

So why is it that the same eagerness to evolve with the changing times, which is so apparent in the communications industry, not exhibited for the agricultural industry? In a recent visit to the Larson Farm, Farmer Mike Martz made mention that he felt as though society wanted him to “farm like how his parents, grandparents and great-grandparents had farmed in years passed.” But with an increasing population, more urban sprawl (which leads to less farmland), and fewer farms to spread the labor (as future generations of farmers opt out of the family business), why are Americans unwilling to let farming evolve with the times?

While I haven’t got the answers to why some folks are so unyielding to the evolution of agriculture, I can only address the 5 fears that I once touted as the big WHY. And it goes a little something like this…

1. No Feedlots Please, I prefer my cattle roaming and grazingAs a Midwest city girl I always assumed that land outside of the city lights (and suburban sprawl) was sufficient enough to raise tons of cattle for grazing and roaming. But with the growing population and constant building outside of the city limits we’re encroaching upon farmland and animal habitats. Even coyotes have decided that since they can’t beat our burgeoning population that they’re going to join us here in the city. So when it comes to raising enough cattle to feed a large population, cattle feedlots are in response to the need for more livestock within a smaller farm area.

2. I don’t want my family consuming extra hormones; I’malready portly AND I want my kids to look like kids!Sure, hormones are implanted into the ear of cattle to increase their size during their last few months of life, but according to the FDA, “all approved implant products have a zero day withdrawal. This means that the meat from the animal farm is safe for humans to eat at any time after the animal is treated.” In addition, the ears are discarded before the animal is slaughtered.

Furthermore, because I’m a believer in the power of statistical information, here’s a couple stats to give you some perspective on hormone use in cattle:Organic Beef = 1.4 nanograms of estrogen hormone per 3 oz of meatConventional Beef = 1.9 nanograms of estrogen hormone per 3 oz of meat Potatoes = 225 nanograms of estrogen hormone (occurring naturally) per average sized potatoBirth Control Pills (at the lowest dose) = 20,000 nanograms per pill

M&M visual of hormone dosages compliments of the Larson Farm Left to Right: Organic, Conventional, Baked Potato, Birth Control Pill

3. I don’t want to consume antibiotics when I’m not even sick!Well, if you’ve followed my farming posts thus far, then you’ve got an idea on what I’ve learned about antibiotics. If you haven’t, check it out a here! But suffice it to say that at the Larson Farm, sick cattle are tagged, removed and then tested. The sick cattle are then kept 2 weeks later than when they are “technically” safe to sell as an added precaution. Antibiotics are not permitted on the meat market.

While visiting the Larson Farm I didn’t witness any signs of animal abuse (no excessive mooing, cow bullying-yes it happens amongst cattle too, and no fear of people). I don’t believe anyone these days is naive to the mistreatment of animals in the farming industry, but what I can attest to is that not ALL farmers treat their animals cruelly. In fact, cruelty is not a matter of size or conventional versus organic. It’s a matter of the moral fiber of the farmer raising the animal. Which brings me to my next point…

5. I don’t want my food coming off of an assembly line!Since when did being organized get a bad rap?!?! In fact, it’s when systems are not in place where all good intentions go to hell. Ever heard of Temple Grandin?

Temple Grandin is an autistic woman who transformed the livestock industry by inventing improvements to the animal handling systems found on ranches, farms and meat plants. She is most known for the center-track restraint system that is widely used across North America.

Cows enter and exit the center-track system here

Top of center-track system which prevents cows from backing up and flipping over one another

Gentle “Hug” which calms the cattle immediately so that the ultrasound tech can check marbling and fat levels

Her invention decreases and eliminates the fear and pain animals experience when they are being handled and eventually slaughtered. You see, the successful management of large numbers of animals requires advanced engineering and forethought to prevent falls, crippling injuries and untimely death. Kudos to Larson Farms for incorporating this ingenious system into their farming processes. By the way…it’s composed entirely of scrap metal!

As our world continues to evolve, our food industry has to adapt alongside of it. In practical terms, with millions more people on the earth, the days of free roaming animals that eat off of the land, and farmers driving horse-drawn plows… are gone. With farmers being charged with feeding more than just their family and their town, and with less space to do it, farmers (although still good stewards of the land) are seeking efficient and effective ways to raise livestock and cultivate the land within the changing times. Everything must evolve, just as the iPhone 5s will soon give way to the iPhone 6…

…it’s just a matter of time.

Are you still envisioning the pitch-forked farmers of the past? Do you believe that the agricultural industry should evolve with the times?

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“I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world.”

More than a decade has passed since I last uttered those words at a 4-H meeting, yet these words that make up the 4-H Pledge still roll right off my tongue, and my hands still know exactly where they should be positioned for each verse. As I sit here reflecting back on my 4-H career, my mind is swarmed with wonderful memories of the many, many activities I participated in through 4-H and the impact those activities are still having on my life today.

I still vividly remember the first time I participated in the 4-H presentations contest as a 4th grader in Mrs. Thompson’s class. This was my first real venture into the world of public speaking, and I was scared to death. But, I knew my older sister had received a blue ribbon for her presentation a couple years ago, so I was bound and determined to conquer my fears and also win my first blue ribbon.

My chosen topic was, “How to Show a Market Hog,” which was quite fitting for a farm girl like me. My parents had assisted me with preparing my large presentation boards that included hand-stenciled letters (a.k.a., the PowerPoint of the 1990s). I brought along a stuffed miniature toy pig for the presentation and used a life-size cane and wire brush to teach my classmates and fellow 4-H members how to show a pig. I recall my hands shaking with fear as I made my way through the presentation, and I recall the huge wave of relief that came over me when I finished and returned to my desk. I had successfully made it through the whole presentation! And to my delight, I was awarded a blue ribbon and, thus, began a lifetime of public speaking for me.

As a member of my schools’ 4-H clubs and also a member of the local 4-H Stockmen’s Club, I could tell many other stories from my 10 wonderful years of 4-H membership. I experienced so many “firsts” through 4-H: the first time I balanced a checkbook; first time I met with and lobbied legislators; first time speaking to an audience of strangers; first time shooting a firearm; first time attending an overnight camp; first time serving as an officer in a club; and the list goes on and on. Certain memories of 4-H stick out as the ones I’m most proud of: being inducted into the Virginia 4-H All Stars; serving as President of my high school’s “The One” 4-H club; serving as Chief of the Occoneechee Tribe at 4-H camp; and winning Supreme Showmanship at my county’s 4-H livestock show.

But the experiences that really stand out in my mind are the ones where I developed lifelong friends. Just last month, a high school friend posted a photo on Facebook of a group of us at the Virginia 4-H Congress on the Virginia Tech campus. We were all amused at the flashback photo and began reminiscing on our 4-H days. These are friends who I don’t speak with too often now but who I can pick right back up with at a moment’s notice, as we share such a strong bond from the many hours we spent together during our 4-H days.

4-H was a huge part of my entire childhood, and I feel so blessed to have been introduced to the organization at such a young age. I have no doubt that my experience with events like public speaking gave me a leg up once I entered “the real world.” I developed confidence and poise and learned the significance of being granted responsibility and, thus, the need to act responsibly. I experienced the fruits of success and the lessons to be learned from the times when you don’t succeed at a project. I learned how to be a leader and how to work as a team. I also learned the value and great need for serving others in your community. 4-H gave me many opportunities to experience new things and travel to new places, all while expanding my horizons, which surely gave me the courage to seek out my dreams and ambitions in life. I have no qualms in saying that outside of my family, 4-H had the most significant influence on developing me into who I am today.

In honor of National 4-H Week, I’d also like to give a shout out to all the 4-H staff and volunteer leaders. The time, dedication and passion they put into 4-H truly makes 4-H what it is: the premier youth leadership and service organization in rural and urban America. I owe so much to Mr. McCormick, who served as the County 4-H Extension Agent for my entire 4-H career. The weekends and nights that he gave up to 4-H is truly remarkable, and his desire to aide us in growing and developing left a lasting impression on all of us. I haven’t had a chance to say it recently but, thank you, Mr. McCormick.

Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster member, Rachel Martin has just returned from her two month International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) to the U.S.A. The trip saw the Northern Irish farmer’s daughter leave Belfast on the 8th June and return on the 9th August traveling through a total of twelve states in a bid to learn about agriculture and culture in North America:

I was supposed to meet my first host the next day. Sure, I had seen her photograph but there was still something daunting about the thought of meeting a stranger at a train station 6000 miles from home to go and live with them for three weeks. The train was running late and I was worried about whether my host would even be there. Besides, what if they were mean or creepy? Counter to my worries Josie, my first host turned out to be very friendly and welcoming. After all, she had volunteered to look after an international delegate and show them a little about her life and her work with 4-H in her county.

During my trip, I met and stayed with several families learning about life on their farms and ranches. By staying with locals I quickly learned a lot about the USA, and not just the difference between chips, fries and crisps or the difficulties in ordering “proper tea” as opposed to iced tea. But thanks to the in-depth learning experience provided by the exchange, I learned about family life, social faux pas, rocky mountain oysters – much more than a standard tourist could ever have discovered!

During my trip I have seen first-hand many of the agricultural challenges faced in the Western states. In Northern Montana, I helped put out a hay field fire and just a few days later watched as hail tore up a year’s worth of hard work. Unfortunately for the family, this was just part of farming in that area and something they had to be prepared for. It made me reflect a lot on the challenges farmers face at home and that whilst my friends at home often grumble about the “bad weather” and seemingly endless rain, I soon discovered that as food producers our climate in Northern Ireland really isn’t the worst.

As part of her International Farm Youth exchange trip, Rachel helped herd cattle across McCartney Mountain in southwest Montana.

One of the most adrenalin inducing experiences of the trip was helping the Smith family to herd cattle across McCartney Mountain in south-west Montana. As a girl who was never allowed a pony when she was younger because they “tramp up the fields” I found it interesting when many ranchers told me they find their horses to be more useful than their four wheelers. Whilst in southwest Montana I also drove machinery for a few days to haul bales to the stack yard and enjoyed the work hard, play hard mentality on the ranch. Along with my host siblings Jacob and Elizabeth I visited the Montana Folk Festival and got the drive in movie experience – something I loved and wish we had at home!

As part of the programme, I also met with 4-H children preparing their steers for the county fair as well as another group of children who were practising showing with their sheep and pigs. I also was lucky enough to visit the State Fair in Great Falls and to go to different types of rodeos as well as seeing attractions such as Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Virginia City, Crystal Park and Glacier National Park.

My trip started in New York where I spent a few days doing all the super touristy stuff before I jumped on a train and travelled to IFYE Orientation in Bloomington, Illinois to meet with other International delegates before I went on to stay with families for the rest of the trip. I would like to thank all my host families, IFYE, 4-H and YFCU for facilitating the exchange and making it such a success.

The IFYE program is an in-depth learning experience in which 4-H alumni and other young adults live with host families in other countries to increase global awareness, develop independent study interests, and improve language skills. Programs vary from country to country, with some emphasizing an agricultural work experience, volunteering at an adult training centre, or working with a local youth development program such as 4-H or YFCU. If you would like to read more about Rachel’s travels check out her blog http://www.youngfarmerinthestates.wordpress.com.

The concept of ‘sustainability’ in the beef industry has been on the forefront of many discussions, research objectives and advertising campaigns within the industry. However, what is the true definition of ‘sustainability’? Webster defines sustainable as “able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed.” In taking that concept and applying it to a ranching scenario, it is evident that long-term ranches are a prime example of ‘sustainable production systems.’ Land that has been in long-term production for beef production has demonstrated resiliency and efficiency in natural resource utilization as resources have been protected to ensure the continuation of beef cattle production.

In determining what defines sustainability on a ranching operation, most would agree that the first assessment to be made is in understanding the natural resources available, and then figuring the best approach for upgrading and protection. Approaches will, of course, differ vastly from operation to operation across regions. In evaluating ‘sustainability’ on our ranch, one person asked me if my dad is a “grass guy” or a “cattleman”. That question caught me a bit off-guard, but in reflecting on the question, I responded “quite honestly, he is a balance of the two.” Growing-up I was able to learn the importance of both qualities in running a successful, sustainable ranching operation. My dad has always been concerned about natural resource conservation efforts on our ranch, fencing riparian areas, improving utilization of water resources, and improving meadows for hay production and grazing are a few examples, as well as knowing which cows are the ‘most productive’ within resources available on the ranch.

In defining the most important natural resources on our operation, we are fortunate to have water resources and the ability to produce high-quality grasses and forages. To ensure the renewability of these resources on our operation, we have integrated irrigation systems and have worked at improving our hay meadows, primarily by improving the grass base with a farming schedule for reseeding grass/alfalfa mixtures. Not only do these meadows serve as the primary source of hay production on the ranch, but also provide a significant grazing resource for ~90 days in the fall for weaned calves and in the spring for ~60 days for new pairs. It is evident that these conservation practices have led to more sustainable production on our ranch, because without gaining any more acreage, we are running more cows than ever before.

Aside from natural resource management, cowherd management decisions also fall into optimizing ‘sustainability’ on the ranch. Understanding the appropriate breed type, mature cow size and level of milk production to optimize reproductive efficiency, weaning weight and other traits of economic importance to match resources available are critical to this effort. Furthermore, the decisions that cow/calf producers make have a broader spanning impact than only on the ranch, commercial producers have a responsibility to the industry to produce calves that can grow and perform efficiently in other segments, for industry sustainability.

I believe that having a plan for ‘ranch sustainability’ is more important now and will gain increasing importance in future years as land resources for production become scarcer. Making a conscious effort to devote time and careful planning to a ‘ranch sustainability plan’, may be critical for ensuring production in coming years. It is important that this plan involves both aspects of natural resource protection and enhancing the cowherd to most effectively utilize available resources. In thinking of our ranch and further improvements that I would like to make include a implementing a more efficient irrigation system to better capture and utilize water resources, incorporating more intensive rotational grazing into some aspects of production, continue making progress in genetic selection, and continuing to upgrade production of hay meadows.

WASHINGTON (Sept. 13, 2013) — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for spring and summer 2014 public policy internships. The deadline to submit an application for these opportunities is Oct. 6, 2013.“NCBA’s public policy internship gives college students a one-of-a-kind view into the policy making process in Washington, D.C., while helping them prepare to transition from college to career,” said NCBA Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Kristina Butts. “We are looking for college students with an interest in the beef industry, public policy and communications to help NCBA represent cattlemen and cattlewomen in Washington, D.C. The internship is designed to work closely with the lobbying team on Capitol Hill and assist with NCBA’s regulatory efforts.”
The full-time spring internship will begin Jan. 6, 2014, and end May 9, 2014. The full-time summer internship will begin May 19, 2014 and end Aug. 22, 2014. To apply, interested college juniors, seniors or graduate students should submit the application, a college transcript, two letters of recommendation and a resume to internship@beef.org. More information and the internship application are available on NCBA’s website.
“This isn’t a ‘check-the-box’ style of internship. NCBA’s public policy interns work alongside NCBA staff on critical issues ranging from agriculture policy to trade, the environment and more.” Butts said. “If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.”

In rural North Dakota, one can stumble upon the Lake View Stock Farm. Located in Sheldon, home to nearly 130 people, the Bartholomay family raises naturally grown Simmental/Angus cattle, as well as a small flock of commercial bred sheep. Justin Bartholomay, the youngest manager of the operation works closely with his father, uncle, and grandpa to make good management decisions to help the operation run more smoothly and efficiently. Justin, an undergrad student at North Dakota State University, is in his senior year of college majoring in Animal Science.

As the summer months are winding down, and fall is in the air, so too is the grass beginning to grow slower and run out. For the Lake View Stock Farm, a four generation family owned and operated business, the cattle have about a month and a half left of grazing. After that time, they will be brought to graze acres of harvested corn and wheat fields as well as lush, green areas of turnips, radishes, and hay millet. Once the chilly, winter winds begin blowing snow, the pairs will be brought back to the home quarter where they will winter throughout the cold season being fed a ration of corn silage and alfalfa and grass hay.

The Lake View Stock Farm began in 1942 after Justin’s great-grandpa, Ervin Bartholomay, purchased the farm and thus beginning the Bartholomay’s legacy of farming and ranching. The ranch first consisted of a mixed breed dairy operation along with a Shorthorn beef cattle herd as well as pigs. Over time, Ervin began to transform the farm into a Holstein dairy herd and a Hereford beef herd. When the farm was later passed on to Ray Bartholomay, Justin’s grandpa, he converted the beef operation into a Black Angus herd, and continued to milk Holsteins until his kids were active in school sports. He then sold his dairy cows to have more time to attend games. Years later when the farm was passed on to Dan Bartholomay, Justin’s dad, he began incorporating Black Simmental genetics into the herd and today their cattle consist mainly of high percentage Simmental cows.

The Bartholomay’s have always been farmers at heart as well. From the farm’s establishment to current daily life, they have raised everything from oats, barley, flax, wheat, soybeans, sunflowers, and corn. As well, they also raise their own feed for the cattle; corn silage, field corn, alfalfa, and hay millet. John Deere equipment is all that is allowed on the operation, and a collection of close to 40 old-time tractors has been a result of the Bartholomay’s green and yellow pride.

Technology is becoming a new thing, and Justin is slowly trying to incorporate new things within the farm and ranch. He recently became a certified A.I. technician, and bred some of their best cows in May, with the hopes of getting good replacement heifers. Justin also hopes that over time they will revamp their corral system including a new squeeze chute and a weigh scale to record birth and weaning weights. Justin next either plans to attend grad school for animal breeding or go back to the family farm to begin his own legacy. In his past time Justin enjoys taking pictures of anything related to agriculture to help promote the industry. You can find his latest shots on his instagram account @godmadeafarmer.

Kadee Coffman is a national TV host and sideline reporter who can be seen on networks such as: Great American Country (GAC), Fox Sports and RFD-TV. She currently works as the PRCA Xtreme Bulls sideline reporter, Host of “Superior Sunrise” for Superior Livestock Auction and co-hosts RFD-TV’s “Gentle Giants” with Pam Minick. In addition, Kadee has been hired as a feature reporter on GAC, and was the sideline reporter at the 2012 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, the annual Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate Sale and more. Kadee is a true cowgirl at heart. Born and raised on her family’s horse and cattle ranch in Clovis, Calif., Kadee has shown western pleasure, reining and working cow horses since childhood. She has a true passion for rural America and in 2007 was Miss Rodeo California, which gave her the opportunity to promote professional rodeo and the western lifestyle. Today, Kadee calls Fort Worth, Texas home working for the world’s leader in livestock marketing, Superior Livestock Auction.

How did you get involved with Superior Livestock and Pro Rodeo?

Rural America and the western lifestyle has my entire heart. For me, growing up on my family’s ranch instilled not only the western way of life, but a true passion for agriculture and being proud of where you come from. I had always dreamed of being Miss Clovis Rodeo because so many of the young ladies I looked up to had the opportunity. I was fortunate to win Miss Clovis Rodeo in 2004,and went on to the California Rodeo Salinas to represent the largest rodeo in California in 2005. That year, is when I knew not only did I want a career in the agricultural industry, but when I was being interviewed I always wanted to be the one asking the questions – not answering! After Miss Rodeo California in 2007, I was approached to host a TV program on RFD-TV after my reign and that is when I met the folks at Superior Productions. Following my year hosting “TV Horse Source,” I went back to school and obtained my degree in broadcast journalism. It wasn’t long after graduation I was knocking on Superior’s doors. I will always be thankful for their open arms and truly giving me a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Tell us what a typical day looks like for you…or perhaps a season.

A typical day varies immensely! Some days I’m behind my computer editing RFD-TV’s “Gentle Giants” and other Superior Production projects, other days I feel like the airport is my second home flying from bull ridings to rodeos. The summer is the busiest time for me, but after Labor Day I slow down until the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December.

What venue is your favorite to host?

I am beyond humbled every time I interview Superior’s customers on “Superior Sunrise.” Not only do I learn more about their operation (and get to brag about what great genetics they have), but what amazing and hard-working people we have that make up the cattle and ag industry. THANK YOU to each one of you for helping feed our world. On the other end of the arena, interviewing at the Wrangler NFR was a goal of mine for a long time. I’d be lying to you if I didn’t say, interviewing someone like Wrangler NFR bull rider Trevor Kastner wasn’t awesome, after he was the only guy to cover a bull during round 9 and picked up a check for nearly $60,000…. It’s pretty neat to be able to capture that kind of reaction and emotion.

Do you ever get nervous before you go live?

I think I’d be worried if I didn’t have a few nerves as they were counting me down! I love LIVE TV, for two reasons. Number one: there are no do-overs. You have to roll with the punches and sometimes are better than others! Number two: I have my game face on that much more, you know, it’s go-time. It’s easy to get too comfortable when everything is being taped because you always have in the back of your mind, you can just do it over. With, LIVE TV you can’t!

What is one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had while reporting?

The 2012 Wrangler NFR is hard to top, however, interviewing Dr. Temple Grandin last fall in the Fort Worth Stockyards about cattle handling and animal welfare is something I will remember forever. I also did a special feature on GAC at R.O.C.K Ride On Center for Kids in Georgetown, Texas and highlighted their Horses For Heroes program. That was probably the most humbling experience of my life. I was able visit with soldiers who had just returned home, and were utilizing Horses For Heroes to not only alleviate physical pain but pain from scars that can’t always be seen. I think all of us can agree the bond and trust between a human and a horse can change your life. THANK YOU never seems good enough to say to a solider when I pass by them on any American Airlines flight I happen to be on, but, THANK YOU for continuing to fight for our great Country.

What is your favorite part about your job?

As a reporter, especially in an industry that is so dear to me, I love being able to share a rancher’s story, or an upcoming bareback rider’s long road to making his first run at the WNFR. I love showing the western way of life, and I love bragging about how awesome each one of you are! We’re in an industry to be extremely proud of, and as a reporter I’m thankful I can help send that message.

Why is agriculture important to you? To the country?

Agriculture is everything to me. I think all of us that we’re raised on our family’s farm, and played with our dolls and John Deere tractors in the manure pile, instead of inside the house, just may be a little better off than our “city slicker” friends. Don’t get me wrong, I have many and absolutely adore them, but they all loved coming to the ranch and being able to play cowgirl for a day. Admit it, we all have a little cowboy and cowgirl in all of us. As far as impacting our country, agriculture feeds the world and not just our country. We provide for so much more than that! Farmers and ranchers are the salt of the earth.

What is one thing about yourself that would surprise people?

I am an absolute neat freak! I can’t remember the last time I didn’t make my bed before I left my apartment. I’m the proud owner of a miniature donkey named Fiesta, and I’m also VERY uncomfortable with grocery shopping. Don’t ask – my mom will be embarrassed I said that.

What do you hope to be doing in the future?

I hope to continue shedding a positive light on our industry and telling compelling stories of cowboys and cowgirls, who are our heroes. I’d also like to report at The Kentucky Derby in the near future and ride alongside the winning jockey. I’ll have to work on that English riding helmet the reporter usually wears. Hopefully, I can wear my cowboy hat! In my spare time, I design western chic buckles for Denver, Colo., based company, Johnson&Held. I’m going into my second year with them and absolutely love it! I’m a western fashion fanatic so who knows, maybe a boot line next?!

What piece of advice to you have to women who would like to get into ag communications?

Cowgirl icon Pam Minick is not only my mentor but a dear friend of mine. She’s always said to, “Utilize every possible resource you have and give a 150% when you’re passionate about something.” I live by that, and I never say “I can’t.” If you keep your eye on the ball, and stay focused you can achieve anything!

Since this is a blog for beef producers, tell us what your favorite beef dish is and why.

No one can beat my dad’s steak! I’m a steak, baked potato and broccoli kinda girl! On rare occasion I may splurge for twice-baked potatoes!

You can follow all of Kadee’s adventures on her Twitter page: @KadeeCoffman.

Disclaimer

The views expressed by the authors on this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of the Young Producers’ Council or the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. We value your thoughtful opinions and encourage you to add a comment to this discussion. We go by the Code of the West and require respect and good manners from everyone participating in our message boards, blogs, social media sites and other interactive communities. Please refer to our Ranch Rules page for more information and help us keep law and order on this site.

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